Phrasal verb
write off
Meanings
To accept that something is a loss and remove it from accounts or treat it as not recoverable.
To decide that someone or something will not succeed and stop giving them attention or support.
Definition
To write off something is to decide it is a loss or not worth trying to recover.
To write off something means to accept that it is lost, unsuccessful, or cannot be collected, repaired, or saved. In business, it often refers to removing a debt or damaged item from the accounts as a loss. In everyday speech, it can also mean to stop believing in someone or something and give up on it. The meaning depends on whether you are talking about money/items or people/ideas.
Examples
- I had to write off my old laptop after it fell into the pool.
- You shouldn’t write off the plan just because the first try failed.
- She refused to write off her team, even after a tough start.
- They decided to write off the unpaid invoice and move on.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “write off” (accept as a loss/give up on) with “write down” (reduce the value but not treat as a total loss).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.